Nature and Art, December 1, 1866.] 
FLOBAL DECOEATION OF CHURCHES. 
209 
labour, have been hitherto so great as to prevent 
the establishment of regular traffic in a substance 
which at first sight would seem, both from the 
usefulness of its component parts and from the 
inexhaustible supply of it, to offer prospect of a 
trade as lucrative as that brewery of which Dr. 
Johnson said that there was in it “ a potentiality 
of wealth beyond the dreams of avarice/’ 
FLOEAL DECOEATION OF CHTJECHES. 
By W. & G. Audsley, Architects. 
CHRISTMAS. 
'll 1 17 CII Iras been done during the last five-and- 
JIJL twenty years towards the advancement of all 
branches of ecclesiastical architecture and art ; and 
large sums of money have been willingly expended 
in the restoration, building, and decoration of 
churches. Unquestionably we have made great 
progress in architectural art, and many of our 
modern churches can vie with any of the ancient 
in richness of material and elaborate workmanship ; 
but we are still behind in coloured decoration, not- 
withstanding what has been done, and the majority 
of our sacred edifices are still devoid of any attempt 
at coloured enrichment. 
In ancient times no church was considered com- 
plete until every available portion of its interior 
was richly painted with appropriate ornaments, or 
adorned with scripture, legendary, and saintly 
histories. Then every wall spoke of the great 
truths of our most holy faith ; and of the lives and 
martyrdoms of the saints. Then every detail of the 
architecture stood forth in the rich bloom of finely 
contrasted colour, which, harmonizing with the 
costly hangings and precious embroideries and 
furniture of the sanctuary and its altar, produced 
an effect which we can with difficulty realize, even 
in imagination, in the present day. Besides these 
permanent decorations, there were others which 
were called into the service of the Church on the 
great festivals and other particular occasions. Of 
these,' the most important and beautiful were 
flowers, fruit, and foliage — precious gifts sent by 
God for His own glory and our delight ; and such 
as we should on all possible occasions be careful to 
dedicate to His service in the adornment of His 
altars and His sanctuaries. 
It is on the Floral Decoration of Churches 
that we in this place, and at this time, desire to say 
a few words, and give a few hints. One of the 
great festivals of our Church is rapidly drawing 
near. In a very few weeks, Christmas, with its 
usual festivity and happiness, will be here, and busy 
hands will be twining the holly wreath and hanging 
the mystic mistletoe in each home of our land ; 
while in many, we sincerely trust in all, of our 
churches, willing hands will be found at their labour 
of love, decorating the sanctuaries of our Lord, in 
commemoration of that great day when He came 
“veiled in flesh” to dwell amongst men. 
“ Born tliat man no more may die, 
Born to raise the sons of earth, 
Born to give them second birth.” 
We sincerely desire to lend a hand in the good 
VII. 
work, and we are of opinion that we cannot do so 
in a more efficient way than by offering, in the pages 
of Nature and Art, a few simple directions and 
hints for the guidance of those who are able and 
willing to devote a portion of their time and 
attention to the decoration of their churches, but 
who have not any decided ideas regarding the 
correct and most beautiful manner of doing so. 
We are aware that there are many to whom the 
following lines will suggest nothing new ; many 
there are, indeed, who could add most ably to them ; 
and would that we could have their valuable assist- 
ance. To such persons, of course, our short essay 
is not addressed ; but we are assured that the 
majority of our readers, who take any interest in 
the subject of Floral Decoration, may here find some 
useful hints ; and we hope that they may be induced 
to give our suggestions a fair trial in their several 
churches for the festival of Christmas. 
Before proceeding to any practical details, we 
must, at the risk of being pronounced somewhat 
impertinent and officious, give a piece of sound 
advice to all decoration committees. As a general 
rule these committees or clubs, as they may be called, 
are composed of volunteers who come forward from 
their several congregations. These hold very decided 
views, each one being convinced that he or she 
knows all about the subject, and could decorate a 
church to perfection if others would only attend to, 
and work under, his or her directions. But, alas ! 
all who come forward desire to be considered learned 
in the art of decoration, and expect to be appointed 
leaders. Things may go on pretty well until the 
real work is commenced, when out come each 
individual’s decided opinions and intentions. All 
are at once rich in ideas and prolific in whims, and 
indignant that they are not carried out. The result 
of all this is that some give up the task and leave 
in a vexed and angry spirit, thinking their opinions 
have not been properly appreciated, and those who 
remain do as they think best, and the decoration 
turns out, as might be expected, to be incongruous 
and incorrect. Let each committee, be it composed 
of ladies or gentlemen, or, as is most usual, of both, 
before proceeding to woik, arrange a definite scheme 
for the decoration in hand ; appoint the most com- 
petent person they can command, to act as director ; 
and agree to work under his or her leadership. If 
this be done, more work will be got through, and a 
more uniform and perfect result will be obtained, 
than by any other mode of proceeding. 
Having premised, then, that a scheme should in 
p 
